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Friday, Feb. 05, 2010
Fresh for success: Merced College's softball team's got new look, attitude
Krista Copus hardly looks the part of a freshman when she steps into the batter's box.
As she belts line drive after line drive into the gaps at She-Devil Diamond, the former Golden Valley star even elicits a few oohs and aahs from her Merced College teammates.
Copus' intense glare is part of what has She-Devil head coach Suzanne Burrola so optimistic for the coming season.
Merced Sun-Star - PHOTO BY BEA AHBECK
Former Golden Valley star Krista Copus is one of 11 new faces on the Merced College softball team this year. The She-Devils open their season at home today.
MC's roster may be loaded with unproven freshmen like Copus, but every single one is a ballplayer.
"These girls' age is basically just a number," Burrola said. "They're going to get college experience quickly.
"What's different than last year is that this group really knows and understands the game.
"That's far more difficult to teach than just getting adjusted to the faster pace of the college game."
MC exceeded expectations in Burrola's first season as head coach, posting a 26-19 record and finishing second in the Central Valley Conference.
The She-Devils even made the playoffs, getting swept 2-0 to Ohlone College.
Despite some of the team's successes, the group often fell short in the gamesmanship area.
"Last year's team had a lot of negative attitudes, so if we got down in a game it was really tough to come back," Burrola said. "This group has a new attitude that it's going to fight to the very last out."
A big reason for the new atmosphere is the team's heavy turnover.
Left fielder Sarah Leonardo is the only holdover from last year's team.
Burrola has surrounded her with 10 freshmen and Foothill sophomore transfer and former Atwater star Tawni Barttels.
"Yes, we're a really young team, but we don't look at it that way," Copus said. "All that matters is weather we can play softball and we have a bunch of girls who can.
"There's going to be a period of adjustment, but we expect to compete."
It's that attitude that has Burrola looking to Copus to provide leadership right away.
Copus is joined by a number of local stars. Included in the group is her former GV teammate Ali Hague, Merced's Leslie Grissom and Marissa Rodriguez and former Pitman ace Danielle Almeida.
The She-Devils kick off their season today at home with a doubleheader against Foothill. The games are slotted for 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.
"We should be a better offensive and defensive team," Burrola said. "We'll have to see where we're at come conference time, but this is a team with a lot of potential."
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